Downstairs, oversized dressing room on one side held Barbie® dolls galore...and gobs of grown-up gals lined up to have their pics taken in an assortment of iconic career-to couture looks, superimposed on-thanks to the wonders of virtual reality.

even the DJ got all glammy

360 pairs of pink-heeled pumps lined one wall, champagne flowed everywhere, and there was 8 foot custom-sculpted, live floral pink poodle an pink heel sculptures. A pity "they" only left this installation up over the weekend...for a online take on Barbie's Dream Closet...check out www.barbiewow.com

Let's just say we were glad there wasn't a fire drill...leading to some stampede nightmare...AND we always prefer a presentation- but it was tough to linger and admire the apparel...let alone the models.

Inspiration though, for designer Chris Cox was wonderfully rendered however-it was obvious even in a NEW YORK minute---with autumnal/winter fabrics like corduroy, sturdy wools and knits...and tech fabrics that stand up to the weather-like waxed cotton and ripstop nylon...all tailored handsomely.

The models were grouped by task in a matter of speaking-begnning with the sailmakers...but of course, the versatile separates would work seamlessly with the all the basics any guy owns. Refreshingly, these are pieces we can see our guy actually wearing...All-American cuts, crisp tailoring...and well groomed.

Katya Leonovich showed a modern collection for urban gals-with a decidedly geometric silhouette-conjured up with mixed shimmery metallic fabrics/textiles like silk and more substantive ones- python and leather...softened up with lush painterly prints-a signature Fall 2012 runway staple for several collections.

sharp shoulders

We weren't familiar with the Russian native designer...but she has earned top prize at several design competitions- like the Mittelmodal Prize, the Smirnoff International Competition, and Supima's Inaugural Competition for emerging designers

Prints were riotous splashes of sky blue turquoise, purple, lilac, and pink colors-that we thought were the highlights...especially when fashioned into feminine dresses...as pictured below.

as lush as a Monet painting of flowers with "tougher" leather gloves

Edgy-

mixed python metallic satin

bold lines-reminded us of that Janet Jackson era from her Rhythm Nation 1814 days